The Karnataka government issued a notification banning the manufacture and sale of tobacco and nicotine products, effective from August 10. The order was issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety in Bengaluru on June 15 under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety Act, alongside Regulation 2.3.4 of the related sales rules, according to livemint.com.
The notification has caused some confusion regarding the status of cigarettes specifically. However, the ban covers all tobacco and nicotine products, not just cigarettes. The government made the official announcement on August 10, clarifying the scope of the ban and its legal basis under the Food Safety Act and associated regulations, as detailed by livemint.com.
This move marks a significant step in Karnataka's efforts to reduce addiction and promote public health. The ban aligns with broader national and global trends targeting tobacco control. Similar regulations have been implemented in other Indian states, reflecting increasing regulatory attention on tobacco and nicotine products to curb consumption and related health risks.
The ban took effect on August 10, 2026, with enforcement led by the Food Safety Commissioner in Bengaluru. The government’s official announcement on the same day confirmed the comprehensive nature of the prohibition on tobacco and nicotine product manufacture and sales in Karnataka, as reported by livemint.com.